British student says he was denied entry to the US despite having valid visa only because he is Muslim: 'Felt as if I was kidnapped'

A 20-year-old British student alleges he was denied entry to the United States and subjected to a lengthy detention at Orlando International Airport, believing the sole reason was his Muslim faith. Laith Alani told The Guardian that he was interrogated for nine hours and held in a cell for an additional 14 hours before being sent back to the UK.

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I felt like I’d been kidnapped. I was threatened with handcuffs. He’s profiled me because I’m Muslim. I count myself lucky I wasn’t shot, deported to another country or beaten.

Alani recounted that he had been granted a 10-year multi-entry B1/B2 tourist visa after initially being refused an ESTA waiver due to his travel history, which included visits to Iraq where he has relatives. During his CBP inspection on July 3, he was questioned extensively about his family, neighbors, hobbies, and travel history, including a trip to Tunisia taken shortly after obtaining his visa.

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Accusations of CBP personnel racially profiling are false. All persons arriving at a US port of entry are subject to inspection by CBP officers.

He was informed he would be deported and was presented with an electronic signature pad to sign a document stating he had voluntarily withdrawn his application to enter the U.S. Alani, who identifies as autistic and has a heart condition, stated he did not fully understand the document. He described the experience as feeling 'kidnapped,' claiming he was threatened with handcuffs and felt profiled due to his religion.

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My prior travel history was scrutinised in detail, particularly a trip to Tunisia I took in July last year, a month after obtaining my visa. It was implied I needed permission for this travel and should have informed the embassy in advance, despite this being a last-minute trip with no plans in place prior to obtaining my visa.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that Alani was deemed inadmissible because he was unable to overcome the presumption of being an intending immigrant. A CBP spokesperson asserted that accusations of racial profiling are false, emphasizing that all individuals entering the U.S. are subject to inspection. The agency also cited limited flight availability as the reason for his extended detention.

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I would never have signed it if I understood. I’m autistic. I’m vulnerable. I’m legally disabled. I have a heart disorder. [The official] doesn’t care. He’s just nonstop interviewing me, nitpicking every single thing you can imagine.